[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 81 (Tuesday, June 2, 2009)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1285] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] IN RECOGNITION OF NAVAL AIR CREWMAN 1ST CLASS SAMUEL ``GRANT'' KERSLAKE ______ HON. MIKE ROSS of arkansas in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 2, 2009 Mr. ROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated patriot and a true American hero. On May 19, 2009, our state and our nation lost a brave servicemember when Naval Air Crewman 1st Class Samuel ``Grant'' Kerslake died during training operations off the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California. In all, the U.S. Navy lost six members of its Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) when its HH- 60 Seahawk helicopter crashed. Petty Officer Kerslake was a 1986 graduate of Lake Hamilton High School in Pearcy, Arkansas. Dedicating his life to his country, Petty Officer Kerslake had just completed 20 years of honorable service with the U.S. Armed Forces. While his untimely and tragic death is a shock to all of us in Arkansas, we are left with the memories and inspiration Petty Officer Kerslake shared with all who met him. We admired Petty Officer Kerslake for his commitment to his family, community and country. His legacy of service, patriotism and honor will forever define what we remember about this brave sailor. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Christine; two sons, Samuel Ryan Kerslake and Justin Fields; his mother, JoAnne Kerslake of Hot Springs; his father, Samuel Kerslake of Florida; and the rest of his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. Today, I ask all members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Petty Officer Samuel ``Grant'' Kerslake and his legacy and all those men and women in our Armed Forces who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. ____________________